Trusting God's Promise, Transformation and Courage

03-01-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Emmanuel Ogla, VC

This Sunday’s readings invite us on a journey — a journey of trust, transformation, and courage.

In Genesis 12:1–4, God tells Abram, “Go from your country… to the land that I will show you.” Abram makes this journey of over a thousand miles from Ur to Canaan without a map or details; he is given only a promise, and he sets out. That is faith.

In this Lenten season, God calls us to leave something behind. We may choose to leave old habits, hidden sins, or comfort zones and step into deeper trust in God, like Abraham who left his comfort and followed Him.

In the second reading, 2 Timothy 1:8–10, St. Paul tells Timothy, “Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.” By this he means that faith is not just about inspiration; it also requires endurance. Lent is not only a spiritual meal — it also involves spiritual training. St. Paul reminds us that Christ “destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light.” Victory did not come without the Cross. There is no Easter celebration without the Calvary experience.

In the Gospel, Matthew 17:1–9, we see the great event of the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, and His face shines like the sun. The Father declares, “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.” The glory of Christ is revealed, but only after He has already told them about His coming suffering. The Transfiguration happens between the prediction of the Passion and its fulfillment. God gives them a glimpse of glory so they will not lose faith in the valley.

The central Lenten message for us today is this: Trust God’s promise even when the path includes sacrifice. We are called to walk by faith, not by sight. In daily life, this looks very practical. It means forgiving someone when pride says to hold a grudge. Choosing honesty when cutting corners would be easier. Praying when we feel distracted or spiritually dry. Trusting God with our future even when the details are unclear. Like Abram, we are called to move. Like Timothy, we are called to endure. Like the disciples, we are called to listen.

Sometimes we want only mountaintop moments — powerful prayer, clear answers, strong emotions. But Jesus does not let the disciples remain on the mountain. He leads them back down. Lent reminds us that spiritual heights are meant to strengthen us for real life.

The voice of the Father still speaks: “Listen to Him.” Listen to Him in Scripture. Listen to Him in conscience. Listen to Him in the quiet.

This Sunday challenges us to ask: What is God asking me to leave behind? Where is He calling me to trust Him more? What “mountaintop” grace has He given me to carry into the valleys?

If we walk faithfully through Lent, we will discover that the God who calls us to go is the same God who promises blessing. The Christ who is transfigured in glory is the same Christ who carries the Cross — and carries us. Like Abram, if we go when He calls, we will find that His promises are always greater than our fears.

May the good Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Fr. Emmanuel Ogla, VC